SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura passed legislation through the Senate that would lift the limits on hydropower plants in Illinois.

“Some parts of Illinois struggled to generate base load capacity last year, so the cost of electricity doubled for hardworking families,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “We need to expand our renewable energy portfolio to include base load energy that is both clean and affordable like hydro.”

Currently Illinois is ranked 46th in the nation when it comes to hydropower. With the passage of Senate Bill 1474, Ventura hopes to advance Illinois on renewable energy.

Under Ventura’s measure, the Illinois Power Agency would be required to procure a percentage of its renewable energy credits from hydropower dams. This would help increase the use of this renewable energy source, while also promoting environmental conservation by using dams that already exist or using a turbine model along rivers like the Mississippi.

“Illinois would be able to tap into a reliable a proven source of renewable energy, while also supporting local economies and the environment,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This represents a critical step towards achieving a more sustainable future for our state and ensuring a stable energy system for generations to come.”

This initiative is also aimed to support hydropower dams across the state including the Brandon Road Lock and Dam as well as potentially the Wilmington Dam, once operating. The Brandon Road Lock and Dam is a 93 acre complex along the Des Plaines River in Joliet, Illinois. This legislation will help the Joliet-surrounding area with abundant renewable energy.

“Illinois has the opportunity to lead the way in promoting sustainable energy practices through this measure,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Not only would this increase the use of renewable energy, but it would showcase the importance of conservation by using resources that are already in place.”

“This legislation addresses the energy problem across the state,” said Ventura. “We will increase jobs, lower the price of energy and protect our planet with this measure in place.”

Senate Bill 1474 passed the Senate Thursday and heads to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura led a measure through the Senate which would codify into law that the odor of raw or burnt cannabis would not alone constitute probable cause for search of a motor vehicle. Senate Bill 125 would be protecting every Illinoisans’ 4th Amendment rights.

“People – especially people of color – are unnecessarily pulled over far too often,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “The odor of cannabis alone shouldn’t be one of those reasons. Cannabis is legal in Illinois and it’s a pungent scent that can stick to clothes for extended periods of time.”

Under Ventura’s measure, cannabis odor would not constitute as probable cause for searching a driver or passengers of a vehicle. Additionally, the legislation would remove the requirements that a driver or passenger in a vehicle must store cannabis in an odor proof container.

This bill was modeled after a judge ruling in Will County on a criminal court case. The defendant was pulled over and opened his window when the arresting officer detected a "strong odor of burnt cannabis emitting from the vehicle." The defendant had admitted someone had smoked cannabis in the car "a long time ago."

Currently, there are two states that have similar court cases, Vermont and Colorado. The Vermont Supreme Court concluded in 2019 that the faint odor of burnt cannabis did not establish probable cause.

Additionally, in 2016, the Colorado Court ruled that neither an officer nor canine could smell the difference between a legal quantity of cannabis or an illegal quantity of cannabis and therefore was not enough for probable cause to search.

Senate Bill 125 passed the Senate and heads to the House for further consideration.

CREST HILL – State Senator Rachel Ventura partnered with DePaul University to create a new legislative internship uniquely catered to incarcerated individuals at the Stateville Correctional Center.

The new program will allow either a Senator or Representative to interview a select few individuals at the Stateville prison to be a legislative intern for a semester. At the end of the program, the legislator will provide them with a grade and they would receive college credits for their participation. Ventura spearheaded this new program and has interviewed three potential candidates.

“As I interviewed the candidates and heard their stories and aspirations, I knew this program would be beneficial for not only the student but also the communities they will return to,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Giving a voice to the voiceless ensures we have balanced and fair legislation that has a positive impact for all.”

Stateville has a number of other programs within its facility including education, job training and restorative justice programs - however this program would be the first of its kind.

“As a society we are coming to better understand the difficulties that formerly incarcerated people often experience when reentering society,” said Dr. Susan Burgess, the Internship Coordinator for the Department of Political Science at DePaul University. “The opportunities that Senator Ventura is providing by opening up internship placements in partnership with DePaul University’s Department of Political Science will give men from Stateville much needed experience and the beginnings of a professional network as they prepare to reenter.”

Ventura has helped spearhead this program alongside DePaul University and other Illinois legislators.

"Many of the men incarcerated at Stateville have spent years improving themselves, pursuing higher education, and cultivating expertise in law and public policy," said Representative Will Guzzardi. "Their lived experience with our criminal legal system and their extensive knowledge of policy-making will provide invaluable contributions to our office."

Ventura will pick her candidate of choice in the upcoming week and the new internship will begin thereafter. The student will be researching legislation and providing a unique perspective.

“Stateville Correctional Center is proud to partner with State Senator Ventura and DePaul University on this new offering. The Department and Stateville will continue to provide all available resources to ensure individuals in our custody have educational opportunities at every level. This program will uplift the voices of each participant and enhance their sense of hope, self-worth, and confidence in preparation for community reentry,” said Warden Charles Truitt.

Within this program, they will submit weekly summaries to DePaul and suggested legislation changes to the Senator or Representative. Stateville houses a full law library for their usage as the individual will not have access to constituent records nor the internet.

 *photo by Ben Baez

SPRINGFIELD – To end the misleading practice of fake “final notices,” State Senator Rachel Ventura advanced legislation that requires senders to clearly post the intention of their mailing.

“Far too often new home owners and seniors are the victims of fake final notices,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “We must end this dishonest business practice so that no one is tricked into purchasing goods or services they don’t need. People shouldn’t have to deal with anxiety-inducing scam letters like these.”

When someone buys a car or home in Illinois, “final notice” letters regarding warranties, protection plans and insurance are often mailed out by third parties to scam recipients into providing information or buying products under the guise of maintaining their home or vehicle.

Ventura’s legislation amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to require that senders clearly state that their mailing is not a bill but rather a solicitation of services.

Senate Bill 1440 passed the Senate Thursday and heads to the House for further consideration.